Services & Obituaries

McClinchey, Jo-Ann (Clare, Dobie)…
Peacefully, with her family by her side, Jo-Ann McClinchey passed away on Sunday, December 24, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. Predeceased by her husband Bob (1995) and Steve Dobie (2003). Proud mother of Steve Dobie (Leslee), Ian Dobie (Julie) and Bob McClinchey (Mary Pat). Proud grandma to Justin, Maia, Carissa, Evan, Blake and Carson. Dear sister of Carolyn Lapthorne (Brian), Marguerite Moffat (Jim) and Mary Clare. Jo-Ann will be fondly remembered by her extended family, nieces, nephew, dear friends and former colleagues. Jo was most passionate about her family, friends, dabbling in the arts and sharing her vivid imagination with her grand-children. The family would like to extend a very special thanks to the Palliative Care Team at LHSC. Cremation has taken place. Friends are welcomed for visiting on Friday, January 5, 2018 from 2-4 and 6-8pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Roman Catholic Mass celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 11am at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, 511 Cheapside Street, London. Interment to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. Donations can be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice, PO. Box 1449 Station B, London, ON N6A 9Z9, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com       

BRUCE, Matthew J….

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Matthew John Bruce on December 22, 2017 of cardiac arrest in his 57th year. Matt was the beloved son of Barbara and John Bruce (both deceased). He is survived by his beloved family and friends and fondly remembered by his neighbours. Matt will also be sadly missed by his loving friend Sandra Aziz. Matt was a graduate of Fanshawe College and enjoyed his career for years as a CNC Machinist. In later years, he enjoyed work outside in landscaping. Although Matt struggled with his issues, he was a good man on a better path. He enthusiastically volunteered his time cooking at the church for the less fortunate. He was also involved with his Community Centre. One could always count on Matt to lend a helping hand, never thinking twice to help others. He enjoyed a good golf game and watching sports; a pastime shared with his beloved father. A regular jokester, Matt had a keen sense of humour and could get a laugh out of anyone. A private ceremony was held at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184, with Pastor Junior Sorzano of the Church of the Nazarene officiating. Interment in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, London where he will be resting with his beloved parents. In memory of Matt, one can donate to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Mental Health Association. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

RIZZETTO, Delores….

Delores “Cookie” “Dee” Rizzetto passed peacefully on Friday, December 22, 2017 with Judy by her side at Marian Villa, London. She is survived by her half-brother; Joe Rizzetto and his wife Sandy, and her two nieces and one nephew. She will also be greatly missed by her partner Judy and her family and her many friends. The family of Dee would like to thank the wonderful staff at Marian Villa for taking such great care of her during her time there. A Celebration of Life Visitation will take place on Sunday, May 27, 2018 from 2-4 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home – Reception Centre, 60 Ridout Street South, London (on the Southeast side of the parking lot). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society London & Middlesex, 435 Windermere Road, London, ON N5X 2T1, the London Food Bank, 926 Leathorne Street, London, ON N5Z 3M5 or the London Humane Society, 624 Clarke Road, London, ON N5V 3K5. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ARMSTRONG, Shirley ….
Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, on Saturday, December 16, 2017, Shirley Armstrong passed away in her 79th year. Dear sister of Dorothy Long. Missed by her nieces Ruth Wall, Lisa Mitchell, Tracey Blokker and nephews, Jim Long and Randy Armstrong. Predeceased by her brother Joseph Armstrong (2010) and her brother-in-law Walter Long (1997). Shirley was a parishioner at Hillside Church for many years. A funeral service will take place at a later date. Donations in Shirley’s memory can be made to Hillside Church, 8 Kingsford Crescent, London, ON N6C 4E3 or Elmwood Place Long Term Care, 46 Elmwood Place, London, ON N6J 1J2. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BAREHAM, Rosina Iris “Mac”….   
Peacefully on Thursday, December 14, 2017 in her 88th year with family by her side. Beloved wife of the late Kenneth Bareham for 58 years. Loving mother of Sandra Hyatt, Lynn Morrison (Dennis), Cathy-Jayne Cooper (Richard), and Deborah Rankin (Greg). Caring Nana of Shawn, Shelley (Brian), Jennifer, Christine, Scott (Lori), Elizabeth (Tim), David (Cathy), Derek (Annie) and Alisha. Treasured Greatnana to 9 children. Predeceased by her sons-in-law Terry Hyatt, James Bromley and Ted Moore. In keeping with Mac’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Donations can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 180-663 Colborne Street, London, ON N6B 2V3. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ALLEN, Juanita….
At St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, Juanita Allen (nee Bernard) passed peacefully after a short illness, in her 95th year. Beloved wife of the late Bill Allen (2004) Dear mother of Juanita Nicholson and her husband John of St. Thomas, Arlene Basson and her husband Roger of St. Thomas, Carla Plekan of Burnaby, B.C., Liana Allen of Fort Myers, FL and Laurel Allen of Port Moody, B.C. Much loved Grandma of Craig Nicholson and his wife April, Cheryl Kissoonchand and her husband Deon, Wade Basson and his wife Chantall, Kendall Lingelbach and her husband Cody, Oksana Plekan, Reid Allen and Hannah and Katie Florell. Great-grandmother of Cade, Avery, Payton and Colby Nicholson, Allie and Reese Lingelbach, Owen Basson, and Mia and Devin Kissoonchand. Dear sister of David Rea of Stouffville. Predeceased by her brother Bawne Rea. Good friend of Margaret Cameron. Cremation has taken place with interment of cremated remains in Aylmer Cemetery at a later date. Donations in Juanita’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

GARDNER, Sheri…

Sheri Gardner, of London, ON, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 11, 2017 at age 60, after a lengthy illness with ovarian cancer. She was the daughter of Flo and the late Gary (1985) Gardner of Delhi. She will be lovingly remembered by her mother Flo, brother Greg (Jane) and their children, Scott and Erin. She also leaves behind many wonderful loving and caring friends whose support has meant the world to her. Born April 1st, 1957 was a day well suited for someone with her sense of humor and enjoyment of life. An avid believer in what you sow is what you reap, Sheri spent many hours giving back to her community by volunteering for such organizations as: Junior Achievement, London Lesbian Film Festival, Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, Rogers TV and Thames River Rally. Friends are welcomed for visiting on Thursday, December 14, 2017 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London.  As well as one hour prior, 12:00 – 1:00 pm, to the funeral service being held in the chapel on Friday, December 15, 2017 at 1:00 pm. A celebration of Sheri’s life will also take place on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at St. Alban’s Anglican Church, 17 Talbot Street, Delhi at 11:00 am with reception to follow. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, a donation to ‘My Sisters’ Place’, 566 Dundas Street, London, ON N6B 1W8 or a charity of your choice may be made in Sheri’s memory. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

Janet Evelyn May Horner

On January 5, 1935, Janet Evelyn May Horner was born in London, Ontario as the third born and youngest child of Mabel (Wilson) and Stanley Horner who had previously imigrated from England as children with their families, settling in Hespeler, Ontario. Janet’s parents had relocated from Hespeler first to Windsor where her father, Stan, worked for Kelvinator Detroit. It was in Windsor that both her older brother Richard, and older sister Ruth were born. Just before Janet’s birth the family had relocated to London, Ontario where Stan began working at the Canadian London Kelvinator Plant, in charge of shipping and receiving. While living on King Street, in London, Stan was able to walk to work. It was also at this time that the family began attending Central Baptist Church, London. Janet shared many good memories of times spent with the church family of Central Baptist. She was baptized by Pastor Logsdon. Janet’s mother, Mabel, went on to play the organ at the church for 35 years.

Janet attended Lady Beck Elementary School until grade 3, and then continued at Ryerson Elementary School when the family moved to their home on Christie St. in North London. After completing High School at Central Collegiate, London, Janet attended Normal School (Teachers’ College) for one year in 1955.

Janet began teaching Elementary School in Windsor in 1956. She taught 7 years in Windsor, while taking her B.A. by extension from Western University. When Janet left teaching, she went to Wheaton College, Illinois, to complete a 2 year Masters of Church History program. While attending Wheaton College, she was a house mother to a small dorm and also secretary to the chaplain.

Upon her return to Canada Janet’s growing interest in social work led her to work for the Children’s Aid, Oxford County for 2 years. While working there she visited schools on behalf of the children. It was at this time that she remembered people asking her if she might be interested in guidance counselling. Janet returned to teaching. In 1966 she was hired to teach High School English, History, and Guidance at Dunbarton High School in Pickering Ontario. She eventually became full time Guidance and went on to finish her career in Guidance at Pickering High School from 1986 – 1991. Janet retired in 1991.

In the years that followed, Janet was active in her Church, Wishing Well Acres Baptist (now Grace Point). She was involved in creating an ESL program and taught ESL for many years, as part of a program that continues in growing numbers today. Janet served on committees for women’s programs and gave many years to developing and maintaining the church library.

Janet loved to travel and she leaves behind countless photo albums of trips taken with friends and family to prove it! Courtesy of Aunt Janet, her many nieces and nephews had opportunities to see many parts of the globe and experience travel along with trips to concerts and plays that would often be the catalyst to bring the family together. Aunt Janet faithfully remembered birthdays, anniversaries and special events of all her family even as numbers of great nieces and nephews grew far beyond easy tracking!

Janet was a reader. She spent many hours in bookstores, picking up books of interest on politics, history and travel. She would often be the one to pass on to others information or books of interest that she thought would be helpful to them.

Janet quietly lived out her faith. Her sense of humor and humble selfless ways were a bright spot to many. She lived life enjoying the simple pleasures of spending time with family and friends, and serving others. Even in the more difficult days of failing health Janet graciously accepted her circumstances taking comfort in thoughts of heaven and the promise of eternal life through her faith in Jesus Christ. “When the nights sometimes seemed so long, this brought much encouragement. “

We, Janet’s family, will miss her dearly, but look forward to our great reunion with her in heaven. We are so thankful to God for the many years He allowed us to share our lives with her. It is our delight to celebrate her life!

HORNER, Janet Evelyn May…
Peacefully in her sleep at her residence on Sunday, December 10, 2017, Janet Horner went home to be with her Lord and Savior in her 83rd year. Cherished sister of the late Richard Horner (Marjorie) of Nova Scotia and Ruth Rowe (the late Gerry). Dear aunt of the late David Horner, Philip Horner (Eileen), Deborah Horner-Richardson (Kevin), Esther Roorda (Doug), Scott Rowe (Mary Ann), Anne Wong (K-H), Mary Goral (Michael), Jane Greenwell (Garry) and Paul Rowe (Karissa). Predeceased by her parents Stanley and Mabel Horner. Janet will also be dearly missed by her great nieces, nephews and friends. Friends will be received by the family from 9-11 am on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. Interment to follow at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. A memorial service will be held at Grace Point Baptist Church, 3143 Sheppard Avenue East, Scarborough on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 1:30pm. Donations in Janet’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

LUTTERMAN, Dorothy….

Dorothy Marion Luttermann (Hayward) passed away peacefully in London on Friday, December 8th, 2017 at the age of 79. Dorothy was a loving and generous mother to Marcus (Jenni), Tom (Marian) and Annette (Todd). She will always be “Gran” to Julien, Madeleine, Sacha, Noah and Danika. Dorothy will be missed by her dear sisters Elizabeth (Bob) and Susan (Stu), nieces and nephews, Linda, David (Christy), James and Christopher. Dorothy graduated from the Victoria Hospital School of Nursing in 1960 before becoming a mother. After losing the love of her life, husband Rudi in 1979, Dorothy returned to nursing, caring for patients in their own homes through the Red Cross. She always treated everyone with the greatest respect, valuing the diversity and richness of human thought and culture. Living most of her life in the “Forest City”, Dorothy enjoyed the beauty of the trees as they changed with the seasons and played host to birds and other wildlife. She was a resilient and compassionate woman; a sharp hand with a cryptic crossword, and had a loving hand with the knitting needles – to keep us all warm! One of Dorothy’s pleasures was to share her great love of literature, whether it be serious poetry, classic plays, or comic witticisms. Reading aloud was always a delight to her patients and to her children and grandchildren when they were young. She will live on in the happy and caring times we had together.

‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –
And sings the tune without the words –
And never stops – at all –
And sweetest – in the Gale – is heard –
And sore must be the storm –
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm –
-Emily Dickinson

Dorothy’s family wishes to express their gratitude to the very caring and compassionate health professionals who helped Mum so much on her last day. Interment will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 303 Riverside Drive, London on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at 10 am. A Celebration of Life will be held next spring in London, when the flowers are in bloom again. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

STRIKE, David…

With his daughter by his side on Friday, December 8, 2017, David Edward Walter Strike in his 90th year. Beloved husband of Imogen Ruth Johanna (Barth) Strike for 62 years. Loving father of Vanessa Martine Strike (Stephen). Adoring Papa of Christian David Strike (Kailagh) and Anikah Rose Strike-Sapp and Great-Papa of Blaise. Dear brother of Molly Sandle (Ted). Missed by his many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his sisters Rosemary, Joan, Doris, Mary and Olive. As per his Military Service Record, David was “a reliable, hard-working, trustworthy, conscientious man, honest and of sober habits. He is willing and cheerful and has carried out his duties in a very efficient manner”. No words have ever been so true about a person. The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Goldszmidt, Dr. Karen Lo and the amazing staff at McGarrell Place for their care and compassion. Friends will be received by the family from 1-2pm on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at Faith Lutheran Church, 310 Southdale Road East, London ON N6E 1A1, where the funeral service will be held at 2pm. Interment in Woodland Cemetery, London. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Faith Lutheran Church or the Canadian Cancer Society, 123 St. George Street, London ON N6A 3A1. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com